T.J. Watt Gets Paid, and the Steelers Lock In Their Defensive Leader

The wait is over in Pittsburgh. T.J. Watt just secured the bag.

The four-time All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year has agreed to a three-year, $123 million extension with the Steelers, officially making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. That’s $41 million per year, just edging out Myles Garrett’s massive deal from earlier this offseason and pushing him past Ja'Marr Chase’s $40.3 million average.

This deal doesn’t just reset the pass-rusher market. It cements Watt’s status as the guy in Pittsburgh.

Let’s not forget what this man has done. Seven straight Pro Bowls. Five All-Pro selections in the last six seasons. Over 100 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 462 tackles, and even seven picks. Watt isn’t just elite, he’s a future Hall of Famer who’s still in his prime.

And now, he’s locked in.

For general manager Omar Khan, this was the final piece of the offseason puzzle. The Steelers now head into training camp with zero contract drama and their defensive captain ready to roll.

Watt leads a reloaded unit that’s had some serious upgrades. Pittsburgh brought in cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, added safety Juan Thornhill, and drafted defensive tackle Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. That’s a lot of talent added to a defense that already had stars and it all runs through Watt.

Sure, there will be an adjustment period with so many new faces. But on paper, this is one of the most complete Steelers defenses we’ve seen in years. And now that T.J. Watt is officially in the fold, there’s no more guessing. Pittsburgh is all in.